a little of this, a little of that

Sunday we sang a song at church called “Marvelous Light.”  I’ve sung this song many times, but it’s never hit me quite like it did that day.  You see, I’ve never sung it as a mom whose heart is connected to an orphan in a far away place.  A little boy I don’t know yet but love dearly.  The song starts with these words: “I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope.”  It’s not necessarily a song about orphans or adoption, but that line just grabbed my heart.  I’d never heard it that way before.  When you start the adoption process, little things jump out at you like that.  You’re keenly aware of the plight of orphans and anything that has to do with them.  As I sang that song, I couldn’t help but remember that I once was spiritually “fatherless – a stranger with no hope.”  Thankfully God pursued me and won my heart, and I now can say that I’m adopted into HIS family!

Today I volunteered in Cole’s classroom at school.  When I left I headed to the Starbucks at Nipper’s Corner (otherwise know as the NCSB by us regulars!) to get some work done.  It’s an overcast, rainy day here in Nashville, and I thought I’d be more productive there than at home.  I’m wearing THIS shirt today, and the barista asked me about it.  I told her that we are adopting from Ethiopia, and she looked at Mimi (another employee) and said, “SHE’S from Ethiopia!”  You have to understand that I go to this Starbucks all the time.  I know the employees by name, they know my drink, etc., etc.  I knew Mimi had a really fun accent and that she wasn’t originally from Nashville.  I’ve chatted with her briefly countless times over the counter, and somehow I never asked her where she was from.  And lo and behold, she’s from the exact same city where our son lives!  She was almost as excited as I was, and I was able to ask her some questions about Ethiopian language and culture.  I had just thought a few days ago that I hoped to meet someone from Ethiopia soon.  I just thought it would be neat to talk with them about some cultural things I had been studying.  And I already knew someone and didn’t even realize it!  It’s a small thing, but I’m so thankful that God provided just what I had hoped for!  That’s just like Him, isn’t it?!

I just can’t tell you how thankful I am to be in Nashville at Green Hills Church (you’ll probably get tired of hearing me say that if you follow this blog much).  We moved here to help start the church (Brad is one of the co-pastors), and I constantly find myself thanking God for the people He’s brought alongside us.  Brad preached a powerful sermon last Sunday, and I just sat in my little chair in awe of how good God has been to us.  Our small group is reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan right now.  It had been on my list for a while, and I’m glad to finally be reading it along with some of my favorite people.  If you’re a reader, I think you should add it to your list.

I didn’t take many pictures at Cole’s birthday party sleepover.  I constantly battle wanting to “capture the moment” AND/OR be “completely present” at the same time.  I opted to just be “present” at the party (plus it was dark, and I can’t stand using my flash..ugh!).  I did get these Monday morning (hence the bed-head hair and still-sleepy eyes).  That’s what happens when little boys stay up past midnight.  Brad projected the PS2 on the dining room wall, so they pretty much played video games the whole time (meaning we’ve had to spend some time detoxing this week!).

Well, that’s all I have for now.  Hopefully I’ll have more adoption news soon as we’ve submitted all the paperwork for our home study.  Thanks for reading and walking with us on this journey . . .